Srinagar: The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has called on the government to urgently protect the interests of apple farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the economic importance of the apple industry to the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, a significant gathering of farmers convened at a convention organized by the AIKS in Tukroo village, Shopian district, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The event aimed to address the challenges faced by local apple producers.

Rajan Kshirsagar, President of AIKS, underscored the critical role of the apple industry in the local economy and the need for enhanced government support, particularly in research and development. “I have come to show solidarity with the apple farmers of Jammu and Kashmir,” Kshirsagar stated, emphasizing the gathering’s goal of voicing the farmers’ legitimate concerns.

Highlighting the impact of apple imports on local growers, Kshirsagar noted a substantial increase in imports, which he claimed adversely affects local production. To counter this, he proposed a significant increase in import duty on foreign apples to 300%, aiming to protect local farmers from overseas competition.

Moreover, Kshirsagar advocated for the establishment of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for apples to ensure fair earnings for local farmers, suggesting a model akin to that used for vegetable and fruit farmers in Kerala. “All India Kisan Sabha will strive to secure an MSP for apples,” he affirmed.

The convention also shed light on the broader challenges within the sector, such as rising production costs, market exploitation, and lack of sufficient government interventions, which have led to financial hardships despite an increase in apple production and the cultivation of high-quality Italian varieties.